Kitten wont drink water.

[Frog]

We adopted an eight week old kitten from a shelter yesterday & hes settled in brilliantly. The only query we have is that he hasnt touched a drop of water since we got him home. He has had some kitten milk & some wet food (Not so keen on dry, so poss doesnt need as much moisture) but just wanted to check that its alright? Thanks :) X

[Moli]

As long as he is drinking kitten milk, and eating wet food, I would say he is getting enough...I had foster kittens who would only drink kitten milk to begin with, then they suddenly went off it and started drinking water...I would always make sure he has access to a bowl of water...

[Frog]

Thanks for reassuring :) Glad its quite normal, He has access at all times to fresh water so hopefully he'll come round to the idea sometime soon :D X

[Mags]

I wouldn't worry too much at this stage as there is quite a high percentage of water in wet cat food.

A few of us here add a spoonful of water to the cat food, mix it in and the cat will lap it up like gravy...:)

[Leesy]

I agree with what Mags and Moli have said if he is drinking cat milk and eating wet which in most wet foods is usually about 60 to 80% water he will be OK, but I would still have some fresh water down, both my cats favour the water fountain that I have.:D

[dandysmom]

I wouldn't worry too much at this stage as there is quite a high percentage of water in wet cat food.

A few of us here add a spoonful of water to the cat food, mix it in and the cat will lap it up like gravy...:)

I'm one who does, my girl loves the extra gravy, laps it up before eating the wet food.

[angieh]

Good advise here Frog - no need to worry. You could try adding a little water to Charlie's kitten milk and increase the quantity very slowly.

[Kazz]

I would also say add a couple of teaspons of water to the wet food and increase the water as you increase the food....it works wonders for their kidneys too as the years pass on.

[Frog2]

Im the other half of Frog, thankyou for all the advice. We will try your advice as were new to this and these pieces of advice sound like a good idea, Thankyou..

[Moli]

Welcome to Frogs other half, we have all been new to cat owning, but you will find Catsey a wealth of information....Even people like me who have had cats 20 odd years very often ask for advice, which is always given....
Enjoy Catsey.................

[angieh]

Did anyone mention we love photos of our feline friends? More of Charlie would be very welcome ......................

[bangel]

Our two, esp Missy, love the special cat milk you can get from the supermarket.

[calista24]

We had the same problem with our Cali when she was first with us.

It is a bit daunting as obviously they need it, if they're eating wet food that is a bonus.

If anyone else has the same problem, you can try this, which we did...

Teach them how to lap, by using a small spoon above the bowl, then leading the spoon into the water and leaving it in there for a few times.

Try using a really small bowl, so it doesn't seem like a lake in front of them.
Also don't fill it too deep as they are put off when accidentally dipping their nose in it!

Try filtering the water; some water is really chalky or chlorinated - even mineral water if it helps to start!